Spending New Year’s Eve on the waters of Lake Michigan is a unique and unforgettable experience. The Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a chance to enjoy a gourmet meal, dance to lively music, and witness a stunning fireworks display – all while surrounded by the breathtaking skyline of the Windy City. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a fun celebration with friends, this cruise promises to make your New Year’s Eve truly special.
This experience made our article of Chicago’s 10 Top Buffet Experiences.
Key Points
- A unique New Year’s Eve celebration on Lake Michigan offering a gourmet buffet dinner with stunning city skyline views and live DJ entertainment.
- The freshly prepared menu features a diverse selection of succulent roasted meats, delectable seafood, and an array of sides and salads.
- Lively DJ music, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and a midnight Champagne toast create a festive atmosphere for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience.
- Guests can enjoy unparalleled views of Chicago’s fireworks display from the cruise’s heated indoor and open-air outdoor viewing areas.
- The cruise departs from Navy Pier, with smart casual attire required, and public transportation and parking options available nearby.
Overview of the Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise
The Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan offers a unique way to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
Guests can enjoy a freshly prepared gourmet buffet dinner while taking in the stunning views of the city skyline and fireworks display.
The cruise also features live DJ entertainment for dancing, a midnight Champagne toast, and both heated indoor and open-air outdoor viewing areas.
With a maximum capacity of 300 travelers, this cruise provides an intimate and festive experience to ring in the new year in style.
Pricing is available, and a price match option is offered.
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Dining and Culinary Experience
A freshly prepared gourmet buffet dinner takes center stage aboard the Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise. Diners can indulge in a variety of dishes, from succulent roasted meats to delectable seafood selections and an array of sides and salads.
The buffet is designed to cater to diverse tastes, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. Guests can savor their meals while taking in the stunning views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.
The dinner is complemented by a midnight Champagne toast, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the event.
Entertainment and Atmosphere
Lively DJ entertainment sets the tone for a night of revelry aboard the Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise. Guests dance the night away as the DJ spins an energetic mix of contemporary and classic hits.
The indoor and outdoor viewing areas provide ideal spots to take in the stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. As midnight approaches, a champagne toast ushers in the new year amidst the brilliant display of fireworks, weather permitting.
The festive atmosphere and breathtaking scenery create an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration on the water.
Viewing the Fireworks
Guests aboard the Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise can enjoy unparalleled views of the city’s dazzling fireworks display, weather permitting.
The cruise offers:
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Heated indoor and open-air outdoor viewing areas to accommodate guests’ preferences.
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Incredible vantage points along the shoreline of Lake Michigan for optimal fireworks viewing.
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A midnight champagne toast to ring in the new year in style.
Whether from the comfort of the ship’s interior or the crisp outdoor decks, guests can marvel at the vibrant pyrotechnics lighting up the night sky over Chicago.
Logistics and Accessibility
The Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise departs from Navy Pier, located at 600 E Grand Ave in Chicago, Illinois. The cruise ends back at the same location. It starts at 9:30 PM.
Guests must dress in smart casual attire, as jeans, shorts, tank tops, halter-tops, gym shoes, and flip flops aren’t allowed. The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are permitted.
Public transportation is available nearby, and infant seats can be provided. The cruise has a maximum capacity of 300 travelers.
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Dress Code and Policies
Although the Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise encourages a festive atmosphere, the organizers maintain a smart casual dress code for all guests. This means:
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No jeans, shorts, tank tops, halter-tops, gym shoes, or flip flops are allowed.
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Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor deck areas.
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The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are welcome.
The event is non-smoking indoors, and transportation is available nearby.
Guests should arrive prepared to celebrate the new year in style while adhering to the cruise’s policies.
Transportation and Parking
The Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise departs from Navy Pier, located at 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. The cruise ends back at the same location.
Guests can conveniently reach Navy Pier via public transportation, as it’s near various bus and train routes. Parking is available at Navy Pier for a fee. Guests are advised to arrive early to allow time for parking and check-in.
The cruise runs from 9:30 PM to approximately 12:30 AM, so parking overnight may be required. The transportation and parking logistics are straightforward for this New Year’s Eve experience.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customers have provided a mix of feedback for the Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise. The overall rating is 3.8 out of 5 based on 11 reviews.
Some common issues include:
Some customers reported issues with the check-in process, ticket organization, and boat identification for the Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise.
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Check-in process
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Ticket organization
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Boat identification
However, many customers praised the great food, drinks, dancing, and atmosphere.
Some reviews noted inconsistencies in food quality and service.
Despite a few complaints, the cruise seems to offer a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration with dining, entertainment, and firework views on Lake Michigan.
The Sum Up
This New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan offers a unique and festive way to welcome the new year. Guests can savor a gourmet buffet dinner, dance to lively music, and witness a breathtaking fireworks display against the stunning Chicago skyline. With its intimate setting and convenient location at Navy Pier, this cruise provides an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration for up to 300 attendees.
📍 This experience made our list of the 10 best Buffet Experiences in Chicago
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